Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) – Norfolk is proud to announce Nicole Cain as the recipient of the James Rardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year Award for 2020. This marks the fourth AIM student since 2000 to receive the honor.
The Rardon Award recognizes outstanding achievement among aviation maintenance technician students. ATEC member representatives evaluate nominees for their academic performance, their involvement in activities that showcase leadership, and other contributions to the school and/or community. As this year’s winner, Cain will receive free registration, airfare, lodging, and a meal stipend to attend the ATEC Annual Conference now scheduled for Sep. 13-16, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas. Additionally, she will be presented with a plaque and cash award at the ATEC Awards Luncheon.
Cain held a 4.0 GPA throughout her 21-month program, while also providing tutoring to fellow students and regularly leading class projects. As a wounded veteran, she devoted time to the school’s Veteran Resource Center assisting other student veterans transition to civilian life. Outside of class, she trained junior mechanics in maintaining the airworthiness of unique aircraft as an apprentice at the Military Aviation Museum. She has since been offered a full-time position and is the first intern to convert to employee. AIM’s Director of Education, Tim Murry, had this to say about her, “Her passion for aviation is infectious. She commits herself to her education, and her apprenticeship. Despite being a single mother and a wounded veteran, Nicole’s dedication to her studies and fellow students is apparent. Our institution, the local community, the organization of Women in Aviation, and the local veteran population are all the better due to her involvement.”
